how to become an officer in the army

REGULAR OFFICER

LEADING FROM THE FRONT

Army Officers lead and care for their soldiers.

Officers make sure that their teams of soldiers have the right skills and motivation to perform at their very best.

Back to What we offer

What is an Army Officer?

Officers are the Army's leaders. They are selected for their potential and begin their careers in positions of management and command responsibility after being trained at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

There's no better feeling than earning the trust of your team and being empowered to develop them to become the best they can be – and there are few bigger rewards than knowing your purpose is to make the world a safer and more secure place.

Why become an Officer?

The biggest team you'll ever join. The most important job you'll ever do. A place to realise your potential – and make a real difference in the world. From preventing terrorism to providing humanitarian aid to people in need, the British Army is driven to make the world a safer, better place.

At the heart of everything we do are our Officers, making split-second decisions in critical situations, often in demanding conditions. They command some of the best soldiers in the world, setting a benchmark for success and supporting their team to overcome any challenge.

Always leading from the front, whether on the front line, on land, sea or in the air, in a combat role, in a supporting role or working in a headquarters. There are a number of different Officer roles in the Army and each one plays a vital part in our success, at home and overseas.

With or without a degree, there's opportunity for you here: if you've the potential, drive and determination, we'll provide you with all the training you need to lead some of the best soldiers in the world.

Working with state-of-the-art technology and being set on a path of rewarding career progression right from the moment you join, being part of the British Army gives you the opportunity to work for a dynamic, innovative, supportive employer and enjoy one of the most meaningful jobs in the world.

ways to join

The standard route to a Commission as an Army officer.You should be between 17 years, 9 months and 28 years, 11 months of age, or apply for an Army Officer Scholarship at the start of Year 12.

If you're older than 29, you must already be sponsored by a Regiment or Corps to join.

Professionally Qualified Officers (PQO).

People who want to serve in the Army as officers, using specialist skills and qualifications.

You should be between 21 and 54 years of age (varies by role), or apply for an Army Officer Scholarship at the start of Year 12.

A gap year with a difference.

Spend a year with the Army as a young officer, before, during or after you go to university.

Apply between August and December to start the following September.

WHAT HAPPENS AS AN OFFICER?

You can start your Army officer career at the age of 18 - you don't need a degree, just good A Levels or equivalents. You can gain a degree while serving as an officer and, if you're still in education, you might be interested in our scholarship and bursaries. These offer extra financial support while at school or university, where you can also join a University Officer Training Corps, a branch of Sandhurst. This will support your personal development and pay you while training with the Army.

Once at Sandhurst you'll learn military and management skills and further develop your potential ready to start leading soldiers. You'll also make friendships that will last a lifetime. Your life as an Army officer will vary depending on the capbadge that you choose.

You'll find yourself in a management position from the start, with a team of soldiers working for you in one of the Army's many branches of expertise. It is one of the world's most rewarding jobs and your leadership will make all the difference.

EVENTS

We regularly hold events to help people thinking about a career as an Army officer understand more about what life as an officer is like.

Currently these are being held online. Hear from Platoon Commanders and Officer Cadets from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, as well as serving junior Officers at an insight day, or get a closer look at Army life from a female perspective at one of our online presentations.

Register your interest for one of our officer insight events.

what our officers says

'Likeminded people'

The Army has been part of my life since I was young. I joined the The Army Cadets at 12, and went on to complete an Army-sponsored Engineering degree at Aston University, before taking my place at Sandhurst.

It was great to learn with likeminded people: we gave each other the support to make it through a challenging time. I commissioned three years ago, and I'm still learning every day.

'greatest experience'

I always thought my strongest attribute was leadership – and where better to utilise this than the Army? I deployed on an operational tour to South Sudan within eight months.

Training my team in the art of peacekeeping and empowering them to deliver positive change has been the greatest experience of my life so far.

'the rewards are unparalleled'

I've been trained to command four tanks and 15 soldiers, learning how to motivate each individual to get the most out of us as a team.

Life in the Army is challenging, but the rewards are unparalleled: progression has been constant and there's never a day when I'm not learning. I live and work with my friends, lead a capable team and get to represent my regiment at skiing.

sandhurst

Training

'Serve to Lead'

Army Officers are people who have ambitious goals in life. At the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), you'll receive some of the best leadership and management training in the world. You'll learn everything you need to be a leader in one of the world's most formidable Armed Forces, training alongside people from every background and all over the world who will become friends for life.

During your time at Sandhurst, you'll also learn how the Army works, build on your fitness levels, as well as learning soldiering skills which includes everything from how to fire and keep your rifle serviceable to how to command an infantry attack.

You'll also be paid the for your time you spend training at RMAS, an Officer Cadet will earn £27,818 pa.

SANDHURST

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

If you're hoping to become an Army Officer, you could qualify for one of the generous financial support packages, bursaries and scholarships available. These are aimed at candidates during further and higher education. More information about the schemes, and how to apply is found in the financial support section.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

While you're in training at Sandhurst, you'll not only learn soldiering skills, but also how to lead and manage. Once you pass out, your development doesn't stop there. Throughout your career you will be encouraged to take part in a number of training courses and study for a wide range of civilian-recognised qualifications.

ARMY LIFE

Joining the Army is more than your normal 9-5 job. Find out more about what you can expect when you join, including pay and benefits, and rank progression. There's also further information about day to day life and sport and Adventurous Training opportunities for officers and soldiers.

Next Steps

Soldier looking out of the top of an armoured vehicle

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Not sure where to start, or what you could do? Explore our guide to the different ways to join.